Summer Solstice 2000
A night to remember
This was a night that will live long in the
memories of those who took part. After 16 years we once again
had free access to Stonehenge.
Like many people I had been looking forward to
the event with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. This
was to be the dawn of renewed celebrations and yet one act of
mindless stupidity could have undone the work of years of
negotiations. I needn't have worried, this was a night
of peace, reconciliation and joy.
The Police and English Heritage entered into the
spirit of the night, taking a low key approach to security, relying
on the stewards provided by ourselves and other groups to deal with
the minor incidents that did occur.
The night started with a march from the car park
and on gaining entry to the site, earlier than expected, a group of
mainly Druids formed an arch of staffs as a way of welcoming
everyone to the celebrations.
The atmosphere was electric, various rituals took
place around the stones throughout the night while musicians got
together and entertained the crowd, and yet with all this going on
it was still possible to find the space and peace for private
meditation.
Considering the multitude of reasons that people
had for being there and the fact that it rained for most of the
night, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, all joining in the
spirit of the place and the time.
The underlying message that I took away with me
was one of unity, and this must be carried forward, for this is just
the beginning.
yours in the peace of the moonlit grove
Brock
